Although Halloween isn’t typically considered a “major” holiday by my divorce mediation clients, some of your little ghouls and goblins may disagree. Many kids report Halloween is their favorite holiday. So, how do you keep this a fun holiday and avoid any post-divorce parenting time drama?
- Go Together. This is a good time to model that modern co-parenting relationship to which you and your ex committed. It’s only a few hours. Like many other events in your kids’ lives, there will be times when it’s important you both show up.
- Split the Holiday. If taking them trick or treating is not emotionally or logistically practical, you can either each take them for 1 hour or so. More houses. More candy. More time with mom and dad.
- Split the activities surrounding Halloween. One parent can take them to the school Halloween festivities or Pumpkin patch festival and the other can take them Trick-or-Treating on Halloween night. Then alternate years. Make sure you discuss this with your little superheroes ahead of time, so they have clear expectations.
- Communicate. Ensure you both are on the same page about who will be driving the kids and where. What time will trick or treating begin and end. Who is helping with costumes. What safety measures will be put in place.
- Be Nice not Scary. Try to be civil with your ex and put aside any resentment or anger for the evening. Have fun yourself.
As with everything else we do as parents, please keep putting your kids first. Unlike other holidays, Halloween really is all about the kids. Do your best to keep it that way. After the costumes are put away, the sugar high worn off, and their off to sleep, reward yourself with chocolate or other sweets. I’ll be you know where you can find some!